Investigator states former President Buhari should have faced trial over $6.2m fraud
via Punch Nigeria9 min read
Jim Obazee, President Bola Tinubu’s Special Investigator on the Central Bank of Nigeria, testified in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, that the late former President Muhammadu Buhari should have faced trial for an alleged $6.2 million fraud involving the apex bank. Obazee, a prosecution witness for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in the ongoing trial of former CBN governor Godwin Emefiele, also stated that former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, should be prosecuted for the transaction. Emefiele faces a 20-count charge including conspiracy, abuse of office, and fraud. Obazee presented documents, including a letter purportedly signed by Buhari approving the funds' release and another from the SGF's Office directing the CBN to release the money to Jibril Abubakar for foreign election observers. However, Mustapha later denied knowledge of the transaction, alleging the documents, including Buhari's, were forged. Obazee maintained that the alleged fraud involved multiple individuals and should not be limited to Emefiele, suggesting posthumous prosecution for Buhari and trial for Mustapha, Abubakar, CBN official Bashirudeen Maishanu, and other involved officials. He noted that the Abuja branch of the CBN failed to conduct due diligence and that Maishanu refunded $856,500 to his investigative panel. Under cross-examination, Obazee admitted he did not recover money from Emefiele or find evidence of proceeds in Emefiele'
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Turkish Super Lig club Trabzonspor has lodged a complaint with FIFA against Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli. Trabzonspor alleges that Al-Ahli contacted Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu directly regarding a transfer without the Turkish club's consent. This action is considered a breach of FIFA regulations, as Onuachu still has two years remaining on his contract, and clubs are only permitted to negotiate with a player during the final six months of their deal. Onuachu was a key player for Trabzonspor last season, scoring 26 goals and providing two assists in 26 appearances, helping the team finish in the top three of the Turkish league and win the Turkish Cup. Trabzonspor is reportedly open to selling Onuachu for a fee between €10m and €15m, provided the striker formally requests the move. If FIFA rules against Al-Ahli, the Saudi club could face a fine.
Manchester United is reportedly considering a move for Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi as a potential replacement for Casemiro, who left Old Trafford after his contract expired. United is looking for a successor after missing out on several midfield targets this summer, including Elliott Anderson, Mateus Fernandes, and Sandro Tonali. This has led United to revive their interest in Ndidi, who was previously keen to leave Leicester City last summer before joining Besiktas. Ndidi, 29, has made 31 appearances for Besiktas this season, scoring two goals and providing one assist. A managerial change at Besiktas has created uncertainty about his future, with the club reportedly valuing him at €8m and open to offers. Hull City and Saudi Pro League clubs are also monitoring Ndidi's situation. Ndidi spent eight years at Leicester City, making over 200 appearances and helping the team win the FA Cup and Community Shield. He was also part of the Nigerian squad that finished on the podium at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations. If a move to Old Trafford materializes, Ndidi would be the second Nigerian player to represent Manchester United, following Odion Ighalo.
Nigeria's D'Tigers secured an 80-79 victory over Guinea in Luanda, ending Guinea's winning streak in Group C of the FIBA World Cup qualifiers and ensuring Nigeria's progression to the second round. This win followed an 84-81 triumph against Tunisia. Against Guinea, D'Tigers overcame a six-point deficit after the third quarter to win by a single point. Nigeria now joins Guinea in the second round, with their final Group C match against Rwanda scheduled for Sunday, July 5. The victory against Tunisia had boosted Nigeria's qualification hopes after two previous defeats. Under new head coach David Fizdale, Nigeria defeated Tunisia 84-81, with Fizdale praising his players' resilience. The top three teams from each of the four first-round groups will advance to the second round, which will be played between August 2026 and February 2027. The twelve qualifying teams will then be divided into two groups of six, carrying over their first-round results. The top two teams from each group and the best third-placed team will qualify for the 2027 FIBA World Cup in Qatar.